Sunbury residents are ready to cause a stink about the proposed waste to energy incinerator in town.
HiQ was recently issued a Waste to Energy license capped at 750,000 tonnes of waste per annum for its proposed incinerator at the Sunbury Eco-Hub site, in the latest round of approvals by Recycling Victoria.
In the same round, Cleanaway was also issued a license for its proposed Melbourne Energy Resource Recovery Centre in Wollert.
Residents from both communities and beyond will now take their anger to parliament’s steps in a planned rally today at 1pm.
Sunbury resident Sarah Notaro said she plans to attend and to make her voice heard.
“I was really disappointed (of the approval),” she said.
“Obviously that’s only one stage of the process … but I think I was a bit disappointed that the first step has been approved.
“At least it’s definitely not the end, it’s just the beginning and hopefully its going to encourage people to get more involved and to realise what could happen if we don’t fight against this.”
The protest has been organised by the No Sunbury Waste Incinerator Facebook group for angered residents, and planned before the issue will be debated in parliament with South Eastern Metropolitan MP Rachel Payne planning to call on the state government to investigate and report on the development and expansion of waste to energy infrastructure.
Sunbury councillors have also expressed concern about the approval.
Hume mayor Jarrod Bell and councillor Kate Hamley released a joint statement and stressed to the community this is a state government decision, and that no formal planning or environmental approvals have been granted for the facility.
“At this time, Hume City Council does not have a formal position on waste to energy in our community. However, as the local councillors for Sunbury and Bulla, we are determined to ensure all the voices of our community are heard – both in the council chamber and in broader discussions,” they said.
They said they are working to prepare a motion for an upcoming council meeting to clarify council’s role in the process and next steps.
More information on the rally: https://www.facebook.com/events/23961247293576463
